Language: English
ISBN/ISSN: 9993386030
Published on: 2004-01
Paperback
Amphibians and reptiles are arguably the most misunderstood creatures on earth. Some evoke revulsion, fear, suspicion and awe, sometimes even hysteria. As one famous herpetologist put it, herpetology is a difficult science to sell. This volume attempts to take on that rather difficult task.
Conservation efforts are incomplete when they do not sufficiently focus on the relatively less known groups of fauna and flora. Typically information on these groups is difficult to access or is too technical for most readers. Since the Hodgson era, in Nepal there have been significant efforts to increase the knowledge on taxonomy, biology, ecology and distribution of herpetofauna in the country, but, as this document emphasizes, much remains to be done.
This publication on the amphibians and reptiles of Nepal is intended as a reference book and field guide for the general public as well as for specialists, researchers and naturalists in Nepal and elsewhere. It provides up to date information available, and aims to make this information more accessible and useful to a broader range of readers. It builds on works previously undertaken and consolidated by various authors, and takes it a step further by adding, arranging and presenting information as a more accessible companion guide.
Various sections in this publication have been organised in a way to be useful to all, a reference tool for the converted as also a sort of beginner's guide so to speak. It deals firstly with the general introduction, including a brief introduction to the herpetofaunal richness of Asia in general and Nepal in particular, zoogeography, historical review of studies carried out, extinction threats and conservation efforts in the region.
Two sections are included to expand the scope of understanding on Nepal's amphibians and reptiles. First, a section on the traditional knowledge and uses associated with herpetofauna for food and medicine and some other aspects of ethnoherpetology. Second, a section on facts and commonly held beliefs since these creatures are so misunderstood. This section aims to dispel the many superstitions related to these animals and show them in a positive light, especially in terms of their importance and contributions to ecosystem health and human well-being.
The book then turns to a systematic review of the herpetofauna of Nepal. For those interested in more general information, the book describes various genera including their status, special features and role they play in ecosystems. The bulk of the book comprises profiles of 190 species and subspecies of herpetofauna. Information has been updated and presented in a concise manner. Each profile includes species characteristics, habitats, distribution, conservation status, and so on. The publication also lists institutions involved in relevant research and provides a bibliography of important literature.
FOREWORD
PREFACE
PROTECTED AREAS OF NEPAL
DISTRICT CODE NUMBERS OF NEPAL AS USED IN THE TEXT
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ETHNOHERPETOLOGY OF NEPAL
3. FACTS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
4. GROUP DESCRIPTIONS AND FAMILY SUMMARIES
5. NOMENCLATURE OF THE BODY PARTS
6. SPECIES PROFILES
7. GLOSSARY
8. LIST OF HERPETOFAUNA RELATED INSTITUTIONS IN NEPAL
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY
10. SPECIES INDEX
